Pokémon TCG Announces Split Expansion: Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and White Flare Coming July 2025

The Pokémon Company International has revealed the next evolution of the Pokémon Trading Card Game with the announcement of a new split expansion: Scarlet & Violet—Black Bolt and Scarlet & Violet—White Flare, launching globally on July 18, 2025. This dual release spotlights the Unova region, delivering a heavy dose of nostalgia along with brand-new features and formats for both collectors and competitive players.

For fans eager to secure their cards early, [Stock Checker](https://stock-checker.com/products/toys-games/) will track real-time availability of both expansions across major retailers, helping players and collectors stay ahead of restocks and releases.

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Two Expansions, One Unova Revival

This split set reintroduces all 156 Unova region Pokémon, each appearing as an illustration rare or special illustration rare card—making this a landmark release for art-focused collectors. The expansions are thematically divided:

• **Black Bolt** centres on **Zekrom**, bringing stormy, electric energy.
• **White Flare** highlights **Reshiram**, igniting a fiery resurgence of the iconic dragon.

Each expansion will feature six new Pokémon ex, eight ultra rare cards, and a special illustration rare Supporter card, with exclusive artwork depending on the set.

A Nod to the Black & White Era

Pokémon is reintroducing design elements from the Black & White Series in a move that blends the past with the present. Expect to see:

• **Nostalgic foil patterns** not seen in over a decade.
• **Basic Energy cards** with throwback aesthetics.
• All-new **Black White rare cards**, designed in striking **monochrome black or white illustrations**—a first for the TCG.

This stylistic throwback is more than a gimmick. It's a deliberate effort to capture the era's feel while showcasing today's advanced card art and printing techniques.

Product Lineup and Release Schedule

Here's what's coming with the launch and beyond:

July 18, 2025:

• **Elite Trainer Boxes** (Black Bolt or White Flare): 9 booster packs, a Thundurus or Tornadus promo, and accessories.
• **Binder Collections**: 5 booster packs and a nine-pocket album featuring Zekrom or Reshiram.
• **Unova Poster Collection**: 4 booster packs, promo cards for Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, and a double-sided poster.
• **Unova Mini Tins**: 2 booster packs, 1 art card, and 1 sticker card.

August 1, 2025:

• **Tech Sticker Collection**: 3 booster packs, a Reuniclus or Gothitelle promo, and tech sticker sheet.
• **Victini Illustration Collection**: 4 booster packs, multiple promo cards featuring Victini, and an oversized foil card.

August 22, 2025:

• **Booster Bundles**: 6 booster packs per box, in either the Black Bolt or White Flare set.

Early Digital Access on Pokémon TCG Live

Players won't need to wait until the physical release to get started. The expansion will be playable one day early on July 17, 2025, via the Pokémon TCG Live app for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Digital players can jump in, unlock in-game bonuses, and immediately begin battling the new Unova cards.

This release is shaping up to be one of the biggest for the Pokémon TCG in recent years—not just because of its size but also because it taps into the legacy of the Unova region while pushing card art and set design forward.

**Keep your eyes on** [Stock Checker](https://stock-checker.com/products/toys-games/) to grab your preferred expansions as soon as they become available. Whether collecting for nostalgia or playing to win, Black Bolt and White Flare bring the heat.